The National tribune., 1887-06-09

been tolerated where such important interests
Wefe al stake. 1t is probable that the occur
renee viii be made the subject OF the strictcst
inquiry.
AE IMPORTANT INQUIRY
DR. John Campbell Medical Referee in the
Pension Office, has, by circular, Just inaugur-
atod a movement that -,ill greatly benefit our
manned aud disabled veterans of the late war.
This circular is addressed 10 the medical fra
ternity throughout the country, and has FOR its
object the finding out how much influence am
putatiOns aud resectons Of limbs have upon the
vital organization since the injury was re-
oCiYed 20 or moro years ago. IL has often
happened that a soldier with an amputated leg
OF arm and pensioned therefor. has died Of dis
ease that wise and practical Board Of Medical
Reviewers ia the Pension Office would have re-
ierred TO the effect Of the amputated limb upon
the physical organization. But the rule has
been that IL the soldier MANNED in the body on
account Of wounds received in the service OF
las country died Of any other disease than that
for which be was pensioned, his widow cannot
draw widow p2ltry pension. The manned sol
der was also by Board of Medical Reviewers in
the Pension Office, denied for years just pen
sion until Congress and the Secretary OF The ln-
terror came 70 his rescue and fixed the rate for
certain losses OF limbs The Medical Reviewers
in the Pension Office years ago commenced the
rating per month to a manned soldier at -,
WHICH Atan Di lAlstN All4 TIC o4AANA AAAlsAsAg AS
cciyes S2i or $50 per month. But IL the legless
or armless soldier died Of pneumonia, pleurisy,
diarlhea or any fever of ordinary type or al
thrOuCh nervous disturbances or heart trouble
he died suddenly, his widow was left TO want
because the Board Of Medical Examiners could
trace no connection between the fatal disease
and The injury for which he was pensioned.
The medical profession throughout tue country,
and even our wounded veterans, will hail with
delight this new departure Of DIR. Campbell, the
Medical Referee IN the Pension Once.
AN ARMY ROMANCE.
An Army officer tells strange story Of a
brother officer who graduated with him from
West Point many years ago. Shortly atterward
he married pretty girl and for time things
went smoothly, but John Barleyc0rn, who has
killed more soldiers than have ever fallen in
battle, got the best OF him and he went TO the
dogs rapidly Finally he threw up his position
in the Army, deserted his young wife, and for
years nothing was heard Of him. AT last news
came to the poor woman that the worthless
wretch was dead, and after time she married
another officer, aud they moved out 10 his sta
ten "a one of the far Western posts. In the
meantime il seems that her first husband was
not dead, but after years Of debauchery and
wandering reformed. lie then began 10 make
inquiries for the woman he had deserted.
Nothing was known of her. and after long
and fruitless search he was forced 10 the con-
clusion that she had given up tho struggle. He
came TO Washington, where, through The assist
ance Of some influential friends, he procured
an appointment in the Army. Then, believing
himself free, he married again and took his
wife to the frontier post TO which he was or
dered-the same at which his first wife was
living The meeting, the shock Of mutual
recognition, the deep shame Of the terrible
situation, is something TO which no pen can DO
justice What were they TO do2 The question
has not yet reached a satisfactory settlement
LARGE PENSION sETTLEMENTs.
Three Of the largest payments on account OF
arrears Of pensions which have ever been made
passed through the Pension, Office last week.
Francis Patterson, of the l5ith ~ Y, who is
totally blind, received $l3,337; Walter 5.
Stephens of the slst Ohio. Sl2.3i6 and Jacob
Dingman, 3ath Iowa, Sl2, AL. Patterson's claim
has been pending for many years, and had been
twice rejected. The application in behalf of
Stephens who is insane, was FIRST made in 1865.
He had been bedridden for years, and his money
will so for the benefit of relatives who have
been caring for him. Dingman istotally blind,
and his application has been pending for 10
years They will receive So per month each
from this time.